South Leicester came through an entertaining County Cup Final at Welford Road on Tuesday evening, beating Syston 26-20, while Hinckley lifted the Laurence Fenton County Colts Cup with a 24-5 victory over Market Harborough.
The Colts final was deadlocked at 5-5 at half-time, with George Marsden opening the scoring for Hinckley and Owen Nicholls darting through to equalise for Harborough.
But two quick scores in the second half settled the outcome, with Hinckley’s Thomas Morris touching down from a catch-and-drive, then fellow flanker Tom Hilyer forcing his way over virtually from the restart. The conversions from centre Matt Loveday stretched the lead to 19-5 before Marsden claimed his second score of the evening.
Tigers favourites 'Dosser' Smith and Steve Booth saw their South Leicester side enjoy a remarkable start against Syston, coached by former Tigers back-rower Chris Tarbuck, in the men's final.
South stretched out to lead 17-0 with barely quarter of an hour gone with tries from Nick Griffin and Sam Badham.
Syston fought their way back with a converted try from Ian Smith and added another when No8 Paul Walsh got the final touch after some impressive driving work from the forwards.
With South leading 20-12 at half-time, the stage was set for a dramatic second half.
A Smith penalty reduced the Syston deficit to five points, while South collected two more yellow cards to go with one picked up in the opening period.
More good work from the Syston pack was rewarded when hooker Luke Coltman scored from a drive for the line to level the scores.
Smith hit the post with his conversion, and finally South came back into the game with some strong work in the closing quarter of an hour and two penalties from fly-half Mark Lord sealed the victory.
